Vercors Regional Natural Park
Encyclopedia
Vercors Regional Natural Park (French
: Parc naturel régional du Vercors) is a protected area
of forested mountains in the Rhône-Alpes
region
of southeastern France
.
, the park extends into the French Western Alps. It spans two departments, Drôme
and Isère
, and covers a total area of 135000 hectares (333,592 acre). The plateau's main elevation reaches 1000 metres (3,280.8 ft) while the eastern Alpine mountain ridge tops 2300 metres (7,545.9 ft).
The Vercors area is peppered with caves. During World War II
, it served as a safe and defensible position for the French Resistance
: Forteresse de la Résistance. The area now contains around three hundred monuments to the Resistance, including a memorial center and the preserved remains of a destroyed village.
In modern times, Vercors has become a popular tourist destination frequented for skiing, hiking and spelunking. Several small communes
dot the landscape, supported principally by forestry, shepherding
and tourism. The area was officially designated a regional natural park in 1970.
:
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
: Parc naturel régional du Vercors) is a protected area
Protected area
Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...
of forested mountains in the Rhône-Alpes
Rhône-Alpes
Rhône-Alpes is one of the 27 regions of France, located on the eastern border of the country, towards the south. The region was named after the Rhône River and the Alps mountain range. Its capital, Lyon, is the second-largest metropolitan area in France after Paris...
region
Régions of France
France is divided into 27 administrative regions , 22 of which are in Metropolitan France, and five of which are overseas. Corsica is a territorial collectivity , but is considered a region in mainstream usage, and is even shown as such on the INSEE website...
of southeastern France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
Geography
Set upon a limestone plateau south of GrenobleGrenoble
Grenoble is a city in southeastern France, at the foot of the French Alps where the river Drac joins the Isère. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Grenoble is the capital of the department of Isère...
, the park extends into the French Western Alps. It spans two departments, Drôme
Drôme
Drôme , a department in southeastern France, takes its name from the Drôme River.-History:The French National Constituent Assembly set up Drôme as one of the original 83 departments of France on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution...
and Isère
Isère
Isère is a department in the Rhône-Alpes region in the east of France named after the river Isère.- History :Isère is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the former province of Dauphiné...
, and covers a total area of 135000 hectares (333,592 acre). The plateau's main elevation reaches 1000 metres (3,280.8 ft) while the eastern Alpine mountain ridge tops 2300 metres (7,545.9 ft).
The Vercors area is peppered with caves. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, it served as a safe and defensible position for the French Resistance
French Resistance
The French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
: Forteresse de la Résistance. The area now contains around three hundred monuments to the Resistance, including a memorial center and the preserved remains of a destroyed village.
In modern times, Vercors has become a popular tourist destination frequented for skiing, hiking and spelunking. Several small communes
Communes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
dot the landscape, supported principally by forestry, shepherding
Shepherd
A shepherd is a person who tends, feeds or guards flocks of sheep.- Origins :Shepherding is one of the oldest occupations, beginning some 6,000 years ago in Asia Minor. Sheep were kept for their milk, meat and especially their wool...
and tourism. The area was officially designated a regional natural park in 1970.
Member communes
The Vercors parklands include the following communesCommunes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
:
- Auberives-en-RoyansAuberives-en-RoyansAuberives-en-Royans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- AutransAutransAutrans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.At the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, it hosted the biathlon, cross country skiing, nordic combined, and the ski jumping normal hill events.-Reference:...
- Beaufort-sur-GervanneBeaufort-sur-GervanneBeaufort-sur-Gervanne is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Beauvoir-en-RoyansBeauvoir-en-RoyansBeauvoir-en-Royans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- BouvanteBouvanteBouvante is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:...
- ChamalocChamalocChamaloc is a commune of the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:...
- Château-BernardChâteau-BernardChâteau-Bernard is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- ChâtelusChâtelus, IsèreChâtelus is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Châtillon-en-DioisChâtillon-en-DioisChâtillon-en-Diois is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- ChichilianneChichilianneChichilianne is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- ChorancheChorancheChoranche is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- ClellesClellesClelles is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department* Col de la Croix Haute*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Cognin-les-GorgesCognin-les-GorgesCognin-les-Gorges is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- CombovinCombovinCombovin is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:...
- Corrençon-en-VercorsCorrençon-en-VercorsCorrençon-en-Vercors is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- CrestCrest, DrômeCrest is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:Its inhabitants are called Crestois.-Sights:* The Tour de Crest, one of the highest medieval keeps in France - 52 m. Its height dominates the town. The tower was part of a castle which guarded one of the entrances to the...
- DieDie, DrômeDie is a commune, former episcopal see, and sub-prefecture of the Drôme department in southeastern France.Die is best known for the Clairette de Die, a sparkling wine. It was a county in the High Middle Ages.-Population:-External links:*...
- ÉchevisÉchevisÉchevis is a commune in the Drôme department in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- EnginsEnginsEngins is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Gigors-et-LozeronGigors-et-LozeronGigors-et-Lozeron is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- GlandageGlandageGlandage is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- GrenobleGrenobleGrenoble is a city in southeastern France, at the foot of the French Alps where the river Drac joins the Isère. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Grenoble is the capital of the department of Isère...
- Gresse-en-VercorsGresse-en-VercorsGresse-en-Vercors is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- IzeronIzeronIzeron is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- La Chapelle-en-VercorsLa Chapelle-en-VercorsLa Chapelle-en-Vercors is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- La Motte-FanjasLa Motte-FanjasLa Motte-Fanjas is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- La RivièreLa Rivière, IsèreLa Rivière is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Lans-en-VercorsLans-en-VercorsLans-en-Vercors is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Laval-d'AixLaval-d'AixLaval-d'Aix is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Le ChaffalLe ChaffalLe Chaffal is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:...
- Le GuaLe Gua, IsèreLe Gua is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- LéoncelLéoncelLéoncel is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Lus-la-Croix-HauteLus-la-Croix-HauteLus-la-Croix-Haute is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Geography:It is situated in the Dauphiné Alps. It is the highest commune in the Drôme départment.-Population:-External links:* *...
- Malleval-en-VercorsMalleval-en-VercorsMalleval-en-Vercors is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.The commune was named Malleval until September 12, 2005.- See also :* Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Marignac-en-DioisMarignac-en-DioisMarignac-en-Diois is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- MéaudreMéaudreMéaudre is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.It is located in the valley of the Vercors with ski opportunities.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Miribel-LanchâtreMiribel-LanchâtreMiribel-Lanchâtre is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.It is located about south of Grenoble exposed on the south-east slopes of the Vercors balcony, stretching over several hamlets in the canton of Monestier de Clermont. The main village is Lanchâtre with its church,...
- Le Monestier-du-PercyLe Monestier-du-PercyLe Monestier-du-Percy is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- MontaudMontaud, IsèreMontaud is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- OmblèzeOmblèzeOmblèze is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Oriol-en-RoyansOriol-en-RoyansOriol-en-Royans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- PercyPercy, IsèrePercy is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Plan-de-BaixPlan-de-BaixPlan-de-Baix is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Ponet-et-Saint-AubanPonet-et-Saint-AubanPonet-et-Saint-Auban is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Pont-en-RoyansPont-en-RoyansPont-en-Royans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- PreslesPresles, IsèrePresles is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- RencurelRencurelRencurel is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- RochechinardRochechinardRochechinard is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Romans-sur-IsèreRomans-sur-IsèreRomans-sur-Isère or Romans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Geography:...
- RomeyerRomeyerRomeyer is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:...
- RovonRovonRovon is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Saint-Agnan-en-VercorsSaint-Agnan-en-VercorsSaint-Agnan-en-Vercors is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Andéol, DrômeSaint-Andéol, DrômeSaint-Andéol is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Andéol, IsèreSaint-Andéol, IsèreSaint-Andéol is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-André-en-RoyansSaint-André-en-RoyansSaint-André-en-Royans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-GervaisSaint-Gervais, IsèreSaint-Gervais is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-GuillaumeSaint-GuillaumeSaint-Guillaume is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Jean-en-RoyansSaint-Jean-en-RoyansSaint-Jean-en-Royans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Julien-en-QuintSaint-Julien-en-QuintSaint-Julien-en-Quint is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Julien-en-VercorsSaint-Julien-en-VercorsSaint-Julien-en-Vercors is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Just-de-ClaixSaint-Just-de-ClaixSaint-Just-de-Claix is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Laurent-en-RoyansSaint-Laurent-en-RoyansSaint-Laurent-en-Royans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-MarcellinSaint-Marcellin, IsèreSaint-Marcellin is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Martin-de-ClellesSaint-Martin-de-ClellesSaint-Martin-de-Clelles is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Martin-en-VercorsSaint-Martin-en-VercorsSaint-Martin-en-Vercors is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Martin-le-ColonelSaint-Martin-le-ColonelSaint-Martin-le-Colonel is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Michel-les-PortesSaint-Michel-les-PortesSaint-Michel-les-Portes is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Nazaire-en-RoyansSaint-Nazaire-en-RoyansSaint-Nazaire-en-Royans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Nizier-du-MoucherotteSaint-Nizier-du-MoucherotteSaint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-1968 Winter Olympics:The commune hosted the ski jumping individual large hill event for the 1968 Winter Olympics held in neighboring Grenoble. Its hill had a calculation or K-point of 90 meters and was...
- Saint-Paul-lès-MonestierSaint-Paul-lès-MonestierSaint-Paul-lès-Monestier is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Pierre-de-ChérennesSaint-Pierre-de-ChérennesSaint-Pierre-de-Chérennes is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-RomansSaint-RomansSaint-Romans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Thomas-en-RoyansSaint-Thomas-en-RoyansSaint-Thomas-en-Royans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Paul-de-VarcesSaint-Paul-de-VarcesSaint-Paul-de-Varces is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.It is located 30 km southwest of Grenoble.-References:*...
- Sainte-CroixSainte-Croix, DrômeSainte-Croix is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-External links:*...
- Sainte-Eulalie-en-RoyansSainte-Eulalie-en-RoyansSainte-Eulalie-en-Royans is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Treschenu-CreyersTreschenu-CreyersTreschenu-Creyers is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Vachères-en-QuintVachères-en-QuintVachères-en-Quint is a commune in the Drôme department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Vassieux-en-VercorsVassieux-en-VercorsVassieux-en-Vercors is a commune in the department of Drôme in southeastern France.The town is known for its assistance to the French Resistance during World War II, for which it was awarded Ordre de la Libération.-Geography:...
- Villard-de-LansVillard-de-LansVillard-de-Lans is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.The town is a centre for skiing in winter and hiking and hot air ballooning in other seasons.-1968 Winter Olympics:...
- VinayVinay, IsèreVinay is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.Vinay is a largely agricultural village. It is commonly known as the walnut capital of Grenoble and boasts over 175,000 trees.-See also:*Communes of the Isère department...
Partially affiliated
- ClaixClaix, IsèreClaix is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Urban unit of Grenoble*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- FontaineFontaine, IsèreFontaine is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.It is the third-largest suburb of the city of Grenoble, and is adjacent to it on the west. In the 1999 census, Fontaine had a population of 23,323. The commune has a land area of 6.74 km² .-External links:*...
- NoyareyNoyareyNoyarey is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France....
- Saint-Quentin-sur-IsèreSaint-Quentin-sur-IsèreSaint-Quentin-sur-Isère is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-References:*...
- SassenageSassenageSassenage is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Urban unit of Grenoble*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Seyssinet-ParisetSeyssinet-ParisetSeyssinet-Pariset is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France....
- SeyssinsSeyssinsSeyssins is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France....
- Varces-Allières-et-RissetVarces-Allières-et-RissetVarces-Allières-et-Risset is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France.-See also:*Urban unit of Grenoble*Parc naturel régional du Vercors...
- Veurey-VoroizeVeurey-VoroizeVeurey-Voroize is a commune in the Isère department in south-eastern France....